What Lies Beneath | A Collaboration of Shells and Surface
In the exhibition What Lies Beneath, artists Mandy Lake and Noel McCully present a captivating fusion of nature and art. This collaborative project stems from their shared reverence for the natural world, inspired by the evocative exhibition of The Ardmore at The Mount Nelson.
Noel McCully breathes new life into pieces of wood, transforming them into intricate depictions of oversized shells. Through an elaborate process of chainsaw carving, grinding, and sanding, Noel reveals hidden forms within the wood, unveiling structures that are both unexpected and profound. Each piece retains the unique character and essence of the wood, while revealing new dimensions of form and texture.
Mandy Lake enhances these creations through a meticulous process of painting and sanding. Her techniques evoke the timeless beauty of shells weathered by time, ocean currents, and the sun. The resulting works invite viewers to experience the textures and subtleties of these pieces up close, while also appreciating their elegant forms from a distance.
What Lies Beneath offers a compelling exploration of form, shape, and beauty, encouraging a deep appreciation of the interplay between natural materials and artistic intervention.
Noel McCully, an architect by profession, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a chainsaw artist. Her background in architecture, combined with a passion for drawing and creativity, took an unexpected turn when she embraced the world of chainsaw art. A self-taught artist, Noel’s journey has been marked by relentless dedication to mastering this bold and expressive medium.
Her fascination with the chainsaw stems from its ability to shape solid wood swiftly and dynamically, allowing her to convey her love for nature, form, and oversized objects. These grand sculptures, with their commanding presence, challenge the ordinary and inspire awe with their larger-than-life magnificence. Noel began her artistic journey by crafting colossal wooden shells, each piece presenting a unique challenge in capturing the essence of the shell while preserving the unmistakable touch of the chainsaw.
Overcuts, natural cracks, texture, and character are seamlessly integrated into each sculpture—sometimes as happy accidents, but more often through deliberate design.
